1. Introduction
【Child】Professor, have you heard of the tale of the royal swordsman who wielded a golden sword that dazzled the eyes of his enemies? I often wonder what would happen if I could see this royal swordsman reincarnated as a fish!
【Professor】Ah, young one, it seems you have an intriguing imagination! As luck would have it, there is a fish that might just resemble a reincarnation of that royal swordsman. It’s called the Royal Knife Fish. In this little session, I will guide you through the unique characteristics, habitat, husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and precautions of the Royal Knife Fish.
2. Characteristics
【Child】I’m thrilled to hear about this aquatic swordsman! How splendid does the Royal Knife Fish appear?
【Professor】The Royal Knife Fish, indeed, possesses an elegant appearance. It has a long, slender body that could remind you of a sleek, ancient dagger. Its body is adorned with a magnificent pattern of horizontal black stripes that contrast stunningly with its silver-white base color. These stripes are why it’s often referred to as “royal,” as they resemble a sword’s engravings. Royal Knife Fish can grow up to 20 inches in size.
3. Habitat
【Child】Where would such a unique and marvelous creature dwell? Would it be in a submerged kingdom of crystal and gold, much like Atlantis?
【Professor】Ha! That would indeed be a sight to behold! But realistically, the Royal Knife Fish resides in the murky waters of the Amazon River Basin in South America. It prefers slow-moving or stagnant water, with plenty of hiding spots. It plays an essential role in the ecosystem as a predator, feeding on small aquatic animals. In an aquarium setting, you would need to recreate a similar environment for it to thrive.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】What care should one take in hosting a Royal Knife Fish at home? I assume they would entertain only the finest accommodations.
【Professor】Of course, a royal guest deserves a regal setting! To keep a Royal Knife Fish healthy and content, you should provide a spacious tank of at least 125 gallons. The water temperature should be maintained between 73 and 82°F, and the pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. They appreciate dimly lit conditions and numerous hiding spots, which can be accomplished using driftwood, plants, and decorations. As for meals, their highness requires a diverse menu of meaty foods, such as shrimp, insect larvae, and small fish.
5. Behavior
【Child】Do Royal Knife Fish jest and joust like their royal human counterparts, or do they have other mysterious traits they prefer to indulge in?
【Professor】I like the way you think, young one. Royal Knife Fish are not quite the jesting type. They are shy, nocturnal creatures and spend most of their days hidden. During the night, they emerge to feed and explore their surroundings. They are primarily solitary but can sometimes be seen swimming with other Royal Knife Fish.
6. Breeding
【Child】How do these royal underwater knights engage in courtship and procreation? Is it a grand ceremony filled with romance?
【Professor】Hmm, the details of the Royal Knife Fish’s breeding habits in the wild are still shrouded in mystery. However, it has been observed that they participate in a fascinating dance where they intertwine their elongated bodies, sometimes even changing colors during the dance. If you wish to breed them in an aquarium, you will need a larger tank with excellent water conditions and plenty of hiding spots to provide a suitable environment.
7. Cautions
【Child】What precautions must one take when keeping a Royal Knife Fish? Surely the keeper must respect their noble lineage.
【Professor】 Indeed, respect is of utmost importance. When keeping the Royal Knife Fish with other species, it’s essential to remember that they are carnivorous predators. Therefore, avoid keeping them with smaller fish, as they might end up being dinner for the Royal Knife Fish. Also, bear in mind that they are skilled jumpers and might attempt an escape. So, always secure a tightly-fitted lid on the tank.
8. Conclusion
【Child】Thank you for enlightening me about the Royal Knife Fish, Professor!
【Professor】It has been my pleasure! The Royal Knife Fish is truly an enchanting creature with its striking appearance, intriguing behavior, and requirements befitting its “royal” title. Caring for this magnificent fish takes effort, but witnessing its regal grace in your aquarium will be rewarding.